The heavenly experience of trekking endangered mountain gorillas within the East and Central African region is possible when you make a trip to the vast Democratic Republic of Congo, stunning Uganda and remarkable Rwanda that host the four magnificent Protected Areas where the Giant Apes are found. These four beautiful Parks are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda as well as Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To achieve your dream of seeing the beautiful and gentle mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a gorilla permit is needed.
After making up your mind on the planned travel dates, it is important to start the booking process for the gorilla permit which will offer access to the Gorilla trekking destinations. To be on a safer side, gorilla permits have to be booked at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if you are planning to under the gorilla safari during peak/dry season in December to February and June to September. These documents can be booked personally even at the comfort of your home with the use of a trusted/credible tour operator. Majority of these travel agencies / tour operators add booking gorilla permits to the overall gorilla trekking trip although travellers interested in booking only gorilla permits can also be sorted. Gorilla permits cost different prices in each of the three countries.
Why is it important to pay for gorilla trekking permits?
Often referred as our closest relatives, mountain gorillas share so much of their DNA with humans, like the endangered chimpanzees and their closeness with mankind makes them adorable and sought-after by visitors to Africa. Unlike how they are often perceived and portrayed, these creatures are gentler, more harmonious and generally thoughtful of their family members, clearly shown by the protectiveness of silverbacks. There are only about 1063 mountain gorillas in the wild hence the reason why strict measures are placed towards their protection.
The three African countries where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted remit the largest percentage of their revenue from gorilla permits towards the conservation of these great apes. Not only that, a certain percentage is given back to the surrounding local communities of these Gorilla Parks as a way of increasing their benefit towards gorilla tourism.
Gorilla trekking tours are conducted all year round, much as these permits are easier to book during the low season from March to May then October to November. So as to avoid the inconvenience of long queues and last minute disappointments especially during the high seasons, travellers are advised to book permits at least five – six months in advance. For this purpose, your booking agency is able to decide about how and where to buy permits for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo.
Buying Gorilla Permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is undoubtedly endowed with rich biodiversity and a tranquil African wilderness but still suffers a great deal of political instability. Travellers are therefore advised to first research on the prevailing situation in the country’s security before even undertaking your gorilla safari. Congo’s Virunga National Park has 8 habituated gorilla groups and gorilla trips surprisingly take place regardless of security concerns in the country.
These permits cost only $400 per person per trek and are booked via the Tourism Office or through a trusted Tour Operator. For smooth booking, mutual trust has to be kept between the tour Operator/Park Official and visitors. Additionally, permits for trekking the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park cost the same amount.
Buying Gorilla permits in Uganda.
Uganda hosts two gorilla Parks-Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks with 20 and one habituated group respectively. Permits in Uganda go for only $700 per person per day and this doesn’t comprise ground transportation, accommodation, air tickets, tipping and porter fees. The beauty about gorilla trekking in Uganda is that it offers the opportunity to undertake “Gorilla Habituation Experience” for only $1500 per person (permit) for the opportunity to spend four hours with the Great Apes under the guidance of trackers, researchers and Ranger guides.
For Uganda, gorilla permits are solely issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority at their Head offices in Kampala or online. This semi-autonomous Government Agency issues a total of 168 permits each day for both Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Travellers can book gorilla permits directly from UWA, although the most convenient way is using the services of a trusted Tour Operator. Bwindi permits are issued according to trekking region/sector to ensure flexibility within the sector-Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo or Rushaga. Rushaga has the highest number of gorilla groups hence more permits are issued for this sector.
Buying Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
Rwanda boasts of the second highest number of mountain gorillas after Uganda and offers about 12 habituated gorilla groups that are open every day for trekking. Permits in this country cost $1500 per person, obtained from Rwanda Development Board Head offices in Ruhengeri or Kigali City. The good news is that Tour Operators also offer assistance for obtaining permits as part of overall gorilla safari package.
For all the three countries, gorilla trekking permits give travellers access to the respective gorilla groups and don’t include transportation, accommodation and meals. Access to a particular gorilla group is usually limited to 8 tourists each day.
